Written Answers Nos. 1021-1040
1021. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the actions her Department is taking to address significant delays in the assessment of needs process (details supplied); the measures being taken to ensure timely assessments and prevent children from being left without essential educational and developmental supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39941/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need. We are committed to addressing these delays.
Under the Disability Act, an Assessment of Need is an assessment process carried out by the HSE where a person is of the opinion that they may have a disability, for anyone born after 1st June 2002. It first establishes whether the person has a disability (as defined within the Act). It then identifies the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including HSE Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services, or education supports.
Since 2017, children and young people in mainstream schools have not required a diagnosis to access supports from the 15,000 special education teachers in our school system. The Department of Education and Youth has also removed the need for health-related information for special education teaching allocations, additional SNA requirements, transitions between primary and post-primary special classes, and assistive technology supports. It is also important to note that while a professional report is currently required to access a special class or a special school, this does not have to be linked to an Assessment of Need.
Demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. Unfortunately, this demand is outpacing the capacity of the system to respond. The HSE does not provide data on a county basis, but data is available by Local Health Office (LHO). HSE data for Galway LHO reflects the nationwide picture of rising demand with an almost fourfold increase in applications from 113 in 2024 to 447 in 2025. According to the most recent HSE data,132 applications were received in Q1 2026 with 568 Assessment of Need reports overdue for completion in Galway LHO at the end of the same period.
On a positive note, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed Assessment of Need reports with 5,939 reports completed in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024, albeit with some regional and local variation.
In December 2025 Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has published its report, following pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, and the Department is considering its recommendations. An [FAQ document (/www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/)] has been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE. The Protocol, which was launched today, will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
1022. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the equine therapy facilities that will be developed at the HSE’s Toghermore campus in Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39943/26]
View answerThis Government and I are fully committed to providing the necessary supports for people with disabilities throughout the country including those in Galway.
The Toghermore house site in Tuam which is owned and operated by the HSE is under review.
Following a feasibility study, a more in-depth Health Planning Study was devised to provide greater detail and allowing a more informed decision to be made on the suitability of the site.
The tender document for a Health Planning Analysis of the entire Tuam Community Health area has been finalised by the relevant services and was advertised on the HSE’s E tenders the week of the 16th February 2026 and the deadline for return of tenders was Friday 13th March 2026.
The HSE have advised that the tenders have been received and are being evaluated by their local estates colleagues. They are hopeful that the successful bidder will be awarded the contract shortly.
The purpose of the Health Planning Analysis is to develop a Development Control Plan for the community health area, to inform future needs of HSE services in the area.
As part of the health planning analysis, Toghermore House and the usage of surrounding lands will be considered. It is important for the people of Galway that this review is done properly and promptly to ensure that the Government can provide the best possible services to the people of the area now and into the future.
At present the HSE continue to utilise facilities on the grounds of Toghermore House for a number of services including, National Counselling services, Mental health services, Quality and risk, Paediatric outpatient services and HR and administration support.
In addition to the previously mentioned services, a building at Toghermore campus has been temporarily licensed by HSE to the Office of Public Works for the use of the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT).
ODAIT, which is a time-bound agency under the auspices of the Department, is overseeing the excavation, recovery, analysis, identification (if possible) and dignified reburial of remains located at the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam.
The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking refurbishment works to fit-out the building on the HSE Toghermore campus to meet the requirements of ODAIT. The works are also addressing essential structural issues, for example works on the roof and upgrades to mechanical and electrical installations.
The Department will continue to monitor the progress of the HSE in reviewing the Toghermore site, which includes consideration of an equine therapy centre.
1023. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to childcare capacity shortages in Causeway, County Kerry; the measures being taken to increase childcare places in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39952/26]
View answerImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year. The estimated number of enrolments in Kerry has increased by 35% in the same period.
However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its fourth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.
This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age range for full day care. Core Funding Partner Services could apply for capital funding to physically extend their premises or to construct or purchase new premises. The Scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full-day care places for 1- to 3-year-olds.
Following on from the success of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme, a further Building Blocks scheme will open for applications in 2026. This round of capital funding will focus on funding extensions to existing premises to allow for increased numbers of children to be offered places on a full-time basis. Community and private providers who are currently Core Funding partner services will be eligible to apply for this scheme. Details can be found here: [https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/building-blocks-extension-scheme-phase-2/]
Separately, I recently announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030.
The Department also funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance. The contact details for the Kerry County Childcare Committee may be found at [https://www.kerrycountychildcare.com/]
1024. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports available to childcare providers in County Kerry experiencing staffing shortages; the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39953/26]
View answerI believe the roles of the early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners are valuable ones, and they play an important part in supporting children's development, learning and care.
In a very competitive labour market and with low levels of unemployment, recruitment and retention is a challenge for all employers.
The current Annual Early Years Sector Profile data shows positive signs in relation to the number of educators/practitioners working with children in the sector which has increased by over 8% between 2024 and 2025 and has increased by over 33% since 2022. In Kerry the number of staff working with children has increased by over 25% since 2022.
However, I do acknowledged that many early learning and childcare services report recruitment and retention issues but, in general, these challenges are not caused by insufficient supply of staff, but by high levels of turnover mainly due to low pay and conditions.
Although the Government is the primary funder of the sector, it is not the employer and cannot directly set wages or conditions. However, to support providers with staff costs, the department has made €45 million in ring-fenced Core Funding available. The dispersal of this funding is through the Joint Labour Committee, which is the formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates. These are set down in Employment Regulation Orders, and the JLC is independent in its functions.
Outcomes from the Joint Labour Committee process are supported by Government through Core Funding. In this programme year 2025/26 Core Funding has increased to approximately €350 million with the additional €45 million provided to support early learning and care services in meeting the increased cost of minimum pay rates in the sector.
I recently announced, another allocation of ring-fenced funding from September 2026, which amounts up to €45m for the full programme year, to support service providers with costs associated with possible increases in minimum rates of pay negotiated via the independent Joint Labour Committee process.
Consequently, over 2 years, the Department has made an allocation of €90 million available to support possible increased rates of pay.
A longer-term workforce strategy for the sector is in place: "Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028". Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in the sector.
One of the five "pillars" of Nurturing Skills comprises commitments aimed at supporting recruitment, retention and diversity in the workforce, and it includes actions to raise the profile of careers in the sector.
A Sub-Group of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum was established to address recruitment and retention challenges. The group has advanced initiatives including:
• A Student Fast-track Process for recognition of studies to work in service out of term, which is currently open for student for the summer months.
• The assessment of unfinished qualifications, where people who may have started a relevant qualification but did not get to finish it, can have what they completed assessed for meeting qualification requirements
• An agreement to promote careers in the sector.
A communications campaign is currently under development and will include a series of videos aimed at promoting careers in the Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare sector.
In addition, a careers information pack is being developed to support promotion of the sector. The pack will be provided to career guidance counsellors and other key bodies who support individuals in making education and employment decisions, with the aim of raising awareness of career opportunities and pathways within Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare.
To further support staff retention, the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund was established to enable educators who continue to work within the sector to pursue Level 7 and 8 qualifications by funding up to 90% of their tuition costs. Over 700 staff are now supported through the Nurturing Stills Learner Fund and I will be supporting another new cohort of staff to commence their studies in September this year.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund demonstrates how we are already delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to ‘remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession.
1025. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being taken to support parents unable to return to work due to a lack of childcare places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39954/26]
View answerShaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan sets out the Government’s approach to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) system. One of the objectives of Shaping the Future is to increase the supply of places., The Phase 1 Report, covering actions in the year 2026, was published in December 2025. In line with the Programme for Government commitment, a broad public consultation is underway, and the Phase 2 report, covering the period 2027-2029, will be published by year-end.
Improving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its fourth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.
This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service.
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age range for full day care. Core Funding Partner Services could apply for capital funding to physically extend their premises or to construct or purchase new premises. The Scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full-day care places and has prioritised places for 1- to 3-year-olds.
I recently launched the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2. This is a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The purpose of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is to deliver additional capacity in the sector by supporting existing early learning and childcare services to undertake physical extensions to existing premises. The aim of the scheme is to tackle undersupply of full-time places, particularly within the 1-3-year-old age-cohort. Places for children in other age brackets will also be eligible for funding, once services create at least the minimum number of places in the priority age-cohort.
Separately, earlier this year I announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030.
First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028, includes a focus on providing a broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring. Under First 5, parent’s leave and benefit was introduced and has progressively increased from 2019 to date.
From the 1 July 2022, Parent’s leave and benefit was extended to seven weeks per parent. From August 2024 Parent’s Leave and Benefit was increased further to nine weeks per parent per child.
The combined durations of Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s Leave and Benefit now equate to 46 weeks’ paid leave for a two-parent family, supplemented by an entitlement to 16 weeks of unpaid Maternity Leave, and 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per parent.
All forms of family leave are kept under review to ensure that they are effective in supporting families and children. Further supports will be considered in the context of the development of the new First 5 Implementation Plan for 2026-2028 in line with the Programme for Government commitments to both examine the extension of Parent’s Leave and Benefit, and introduce Pay Related Parent’s Benefit (and to explore other payments where a similar model could be applied). The next National Strategy for Women and Girls, which was launched November 2025, will also consider ways to support working families in balancing the competing demands of family and work through its two dedicated Actions Plans, the first of which is due to be published in the coming months.
All paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes can now register with Tusla and access the National Childcare Scheme.
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of registration to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to also benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides the statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that the Scheme is only open to Tusla-registered providers. This ensures that public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision. Therefore, only childminders who are registered with Tusla can offer the National Childcare Scheme to the families that avail of their services.
As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and access the National Childcare Scheme.
The Act provides for a transition period of three years, to September 2027, before registration becomes mandatory. During this three-year period, childminders can register with Tusla but are not required to do so. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.
The Department also funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance. The contact details for the City and County Childcare Committee may be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
1026. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a child (details supplied) can have an extra year on the ECCE programme before starting primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39955/26]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides universal, free preschool to children in the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months.
The upper age limit of 5 years and 6 months for the programme was set in consultation with the Department of Education and Youth and ensures that children transition to primary school with their peers and limits the age range of children beginning primary school.
All children born in 2021 are eligible for two free years of ECCE starting from September 2024 to June 2025 and a second year from September 2025 to June 2026.
Current policy requires that if a child is of school-going age, any request for an exemption to the upper age limit in the ECCE Programme must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist (not a GP/Public Health Nurse/Social Worker).
The Department do not offer a prescribed list of medical specialists, but examples of medical specialists could include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, paediatricians, and psychologists.
Please note any letter of recommendation must specifically recommend why an ECCE preschool service would meet the child's specific needs in a more appropriate way than a primary school based on the medical specialists’ observations and diagnoses.
This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent, or other, in relation to a child's needs, but rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying exemptions.
1027. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the progress, the plan and the timescale for reducing costs for childcare for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39958/26]
View answerThe Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan was published on 17th December 2025. The report sets out the next steps in the delivery of a number of Programme for Government commitments relating to Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC). A central objective of Shaping the Future is to reduce parental fees to an upper limit of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government. Shaping the Future, the Early Years Action Plan Phase 1 Report, sets out the next steps towards this ambition. In September 2025, maximum fee caps were extended to all Partner Services in Core Funding. Budget 2026 also enables Core Funding to continue to support fee-control measures. It will ensure fees remain at 2021 levels for a majority of providers.
A central objective of Shaping the Future is to reduce parental fees over the lifetime of the Government. However, this objective cannot be achieved through the National Childcare Scheme alone. The fee-freeze and maximum fee-caps required for Core Funding have been key to the progress in recent years in making ELC and SAC services more affordable.
The Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future sets out actions which will be carried out in 2026 using existing policy tools. 2026 actions on affordability will include further reduction in some of the highest fees paid by parents by lowering the maximum fees that Core Funding Partner Services can charge. In addition, from autumn 2026 we will reduce fees for lower-income families through the National Childcare Scheme.
Specifically in relation to the National Childcare Scheme, Phase 1 of Shaping the Future commits to:
• An increase to the lower (base) income threshold of the income-assessed subsidy from €26,000 to €34,000, to ensure that families with incomes below the relative income poverty line receive the maximum subsidies.
• An increase to the upper income threshold (income limit) of the income-assessed subsidy from €60,000 to €68,000, to extend income-assessed subsidies to more families.
• An increase to the multiple child deduction (MCD) component of the income-assessed subsidy for families with two children under the age of 15 from €4,300 to €5,500, and for families with three or more children under the age of 15 from €8,600 to €11,000
Phase 2 actions will be undertaken from 2027 to 2029. While we need to make progress quickly, the actions we take must be sustainable, underpinned by public consultation and research, and delivered in a way that supports families, the workforce and service providers. That is why a broad public consultation process is currently underway. An online survey has been completed, with more than 11,000 responses. More than 50 local consultation events, organised with the City and County Childcare Committees, took place during April 2026.
Results of this consultation process, as well as additional analysis, will inform Phase 2 of the Action Plan. The Action Plan adopts a phased approach that enables action to be taken in 2026 while allowing adequate time for the broad public consultation and analysis on longer-term actions, which will be set out in a second report, to be published by the end of 2026.
1028. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether foster carers qualify for the Christmas bonus. [39964/26]
View answerFoster carers play a vital and valued role in the care of the most vulnerable children in our society. Foster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their family of origin, and foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for these vulnerable children and young people.
This Department has overseen record investment in foster carers, including a 21% increase to the foster care allowance over the past two years, resulting in the current weekly allowance for children in foster care of €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12.
Additionally, foster carers now receive a bonus payment at the start of each initial foster care placement. This payment aims to alleviate the substantial out-of-pocket expenses that can be incurred by foster carers during the initial period after a child is placed in their care.
A revised Mileage Payment Scheme for foster carers also came into effect in April 2025. This broadens the categories of journeys which may be considered eligible for payment under the Foster Care Travel Payments Scheme. Additionally, the cumulative weekly travel distance to qualify for these payments has been reduced from 300km to 250km.
The Programme for Government 2025 sets out the Government’s intention to provide further support for foster carers, including further increases to the foster care allowance and the new Initial Placement Payment, a commitment to examine pension provision for foster carers, and examine eligibility for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The Foster Care Allowance is paid directly to Foster Carers by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and is not related in any way to payments administrated by the Department of Social Protection.
A double payment of the foster care allowance was paid to foster carers at the end of 2023 and this payment was repeated at the end of 2024. These were once off measures in recognition of the significant pressures placed on families in the context of high rates of inflation, and was in line with other similar payments, including a double payment of child benefit, which foster carers also received.
The Department fully intends to prioritise children in care, as well as foster carers and ensure that we build upon the suite of supports of which foster carers can avail.
1029. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the rationale for funding cuts to the issue of foetal alcohol syndrome this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40044/26]
View answerFASD Ireland are a not-for-profit social enterprise and had been in receipt of funding from HSE Mid West, but this was not continued for 2026. On the 16th of December 2025 the HSE CEO at the time, Bernard Gloster, wrote to FASD Ireland stating that the funding for 2024 and 2025 was limited non-recurring and it will be necessary for FASD to make a new application to the Mid-West for 2026 funding.
The HSE received and reviewed a proposal and agreed in principle to fund the proposal in part. The commitment in principle was to fund an FASD Hub Ireland helpline service until year end.
The remaining elements were not agreed for funding mainly due to the facts that:
• A proposed training programme for HSE staff would divert 250 clinical days from direct services.
• There is limited detail provided in the business case regarding the specific content of the proposed training, the learning objectives, or the expected and measurable outcomes.
Following a meeting with Minister Higgins, the HSE, FASD Ireland and Department officials, FASD Ireland were advised to submit a new business case and re-engage with the HSE to explore further opportunities.
Following a number of engagements with FASD Ireland, including discussions with the organisation’s CEO and representatives, the HSE has decided not to progress the business case or enter into a service arrangement in 2026.
A number of risks were identified in relation to service delivery, including the lack of a clearly articulated, clinically governed pathway to support the safe and sustainable implementation of the proposed service. These issues were discussed in detail with FASD Ireland; however, they remain unresolved.
As part of its consideration of this matter, the HSE engaged with colleagues in the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer.
The HSE issued their final decision on the 14 May. A final payment for services to date and a goodwill payment will issue to FASD Ireland.
The HSE remains committed to ensuring that any services developed are safe, clinically appropriate, and sustainable for those who require support.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is responsible for the provision of supports to children with complex health needs associated with a disability.
1030. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children with disabilities currently awaiting access to respite services in County Cork; the steps being taken to reduce waiting lists and expand respite capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40057/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
1031. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of adults with disabilities currently awaiting access to respite services in County Cork; the steps being taken to reduce waiting lists and expand respite capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40058/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
1032. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children with disabilities currently awaiting access to full-time residential care in County Cork; the steps being taken to reduce waiting lists and expand residential capacity in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40059/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
1033. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of adults with disabilities currently awaiting access to full-time residential care in County Cork; the steps being taken to reduce waiting lists and expand residential capacity in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40060/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
1034. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children on waiting lists for an assessment of need, by area, in each of the years 2020 to date, broken down by quarterly intervals; the number overdue for completion; the number completed with a service statement, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40094/26]
View answer1035. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of assessments of need completed, by each children's disability network team, by area, in each of the years 2020 to date broken down by quarterly intervals, in tabular form. [40095/26]
View answer1036. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average waiting times for assessments of need completed, by each children's disability network team, by area, in each of the years 2020 to date broken down by quarterly intervals, in tabular form. [40096/26]
View answer1038. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the length of time, by monthly intervals for the completion of an assessment of need, by each children's disability network team, by area, in each of the years 2020 date broken down in quarterly intervals, in tabular form.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40100/26]
View answer1039. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the proportion of those waiting longer than the statutory maximum for an assessment of need, by area and the length of time waiting, in each of the years 2020 date broken down in quarterly intervals, in tabular form. [40101/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1034 to 1036, inclusive, 1038 and 1039 together.
The delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system is a priority for the Government.
There has been intensive work by the Department and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need to children and their families.
Children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services, or education supports.
However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. The impact of this increased demand has contributed to there being over 21,000 applications overdue for completion at the end of Q1 2026.
It is important to note that Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) and the Assessment of Need process operate independently of one another. The HSE is responsible for the delivery of the Assessment of Need process, with HSE Assessment Officers arranging and producing Assessment of Need reports for children and their families.
An Assessment of Need report is not required to access CDNT supports. Children’s Disability Network Teams provide supports and services to children and young people with complex needs, some of whom may have been, or are involved in, the Assessment of Need process. However, many children who receive services from CDNTs do not have or need an AON report.
While CDNT clinicians may be involved in undertaking clinical assessments as part of the Assessment of Need process, multidisciplinary assessments may also be requested from services such as Primary Care, Mental Health Services or a pre-approved private provider.
The Deputy has requested large amounts of data broken down by area. Due to the constraints of the ePQ system which does not support multiple large tables, this data can be sent directly to the Deputy. The most recent data for Q1 2026 is provided in Tables 1 and 2 below. The HSE does not provide a breakdown of the number of children awaiting an Assessment of Need report by CDNT. Data is available by Regional Health Area and Local Health Office.
The HSE reports that in the first three months of this year, the national average time needed to complete the assessment process was 23.81 months. As this is a national figure, there will be regional variations with some AONs being delivered within a shorter timeframe.
There has been intensive work by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need. This is evident in the continued improvement in the number of completed Assessment of Need reports with 5,939 reports completed nationally in 2025. This is a 43% increase compared to the number completed in 2024. The HSE reports that 1,528 Assessment of Need reports were completed in the first 3 months of this year compared to 1,402 in Q1 2025. This improvement is welcome and must continue.
In December 2025 Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. An [FAQ document] has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
Table 1. Assessment of Need reports overdue for completion, Q1 2026
Assessment of Need reports overdue for completion, Q1 2026
|
RHA/LHO |
Total overdue end of Quarter |
Overdue <1 month |
Overdue 1-3 months |
Overdue >3 months |
|
HSE Dublin & North East |
6608 |
295 |
498 |
5815 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
578 |
21 |
46 |
511 |
|
Louth |
1176 |
44 |
91 |
1041 |
|
Meath |
1324 |
73 |
97 |
1154 |
|
North Dublin |
1973 |
90 |
137 |
1746 |
|
Dublin North Centre |
450 |
21 |
40 |
389 |
|
North West Dublin |
1107 |
46 |
87 |
974 |
|
HSE Dublin & Midlands |
7772 |
226 |
603 |
6943 |
|
Dublin South City |
687 |
15 |
56 |
616 |
|
Dublin South West |
2003 |
37 |
155 |
1811 |
|
Dublin West |
1848 |
42 |
136 |
1670 |
|
Kildare/West Wicklow |
2287 |
32 |
173 |
2082 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
881 |
45 |
80 |
756 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
66 |
55 |
3 |
8 |
|
HSE Dublin & South East |
3204 |
182 |
305 |
2717 |
|
Carlow/Kilkenny |
153 |
15 |
34 |
104 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
86 |
12 |
25 |
49 |
|
Waterford |
220 |
23 |
32 |
165 |
|
Wexford |
287 |
29 |
32 |
226 |
|
Dublin South East |
593 |
15 |
55 |
523 |
|
Dublin South |
631 |
28 |
41 |
562 |
|
Wicklow |
1234 |
60 |
86 |
1088 |
|
HSE South West |
2004 |
176 |
220 |
1608 |
|
Kerry |
110 |
12 |
14 |
84 |
|
Cork North |
460 |
32 |
52 |
376 |
|
Cork North Lee |
813 |
59 |
74 |
680 |
|
Cork South Lee |
524 |
57 |
69 |
398 |
|
Cork West |
97 |
16 |
11 |
70 |
|
HSE Mid West |
595 |
25 |
35 |
535 |
|
Clare |
109 |
8 |
7 |
94 |
|
Limerick |
311 |
9 |
16 |
286 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
175 |
8 |
12 |
155 |
|
HSE West & North West |
1599 |
94 |
190 |
1315 |
|
Donegal |
393 |
19 |
28 |
346 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
91 |
9 |
35 |
47 |
|
Galway |
568 |
25 |
69 |
474 |
|
Mayo |
422 |
34 |
45 |
343 |
|
Roscommon |
125 |
7 |
13 |
105 |
|
TOTAL |
21782 |
998 |
1851 |
18933 |
All assessment reports that were not completed within 6 months of application or within 3 months of Start Stage 2 and before the end of the quarter are included in this report
Table 2. Assessment of Need reports completed, Q1 2026
Assessment of Need reports completed, Q1 2026
|
RHA/LHO |
No. of AON reports completed Q1 2026 |
|
HSE Dublin & North East |
392 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
12 |
|
Louth |
1 |
|
Meath |
17 |
|
North Dublin |
212 |
|
Dublin North Centre |
42 |
|
North West Dublin |
108 |
|
HSE Dublin & Midlands |
336 |
|
Dublin South City |
20 |
|
Dublin South West |
77 |
|
Dublin West |
59 |
|
Kildare/West Wicklow |
41 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
68 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
71 |
|
HSE Dublin & South East |
412 |
|
Carlow/Kilkenny |
42 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
26 |
|
Waterford |
51 |
|
Wexford |
67 |
|
Dublin South East |
47 |
|
Dublin South |
56 |
|
Wicklow |
123 |
|
HSE South West |
284 |
|
Kerry |
26 |
|
Cork North |
54 |
|
Cork North Lee |
118 |
|
Cork South Lee |
68 |
|
Cork West |
18 |
|
HSE Mid West |
16 |
|
Clare |
5 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
3 |
|
HSE West & North West |
88 |
|
Donegal |
23 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
42 |
|
Galway |
4 |
|
Mayo |
11 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
1528 |
1037. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagements held with the Minister for Transport to improve accessibility on public transport; to report on the dates on which they met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40099/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to improving the accessibility of all forms of public transport for disabled people .
As part of the design and development of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, and in line with the whole-of-government framework set out in the Strategy, extensive engagement took place between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and all government departments and public agencies leading on the delivery of commitments and priority actions contained within the Strategy. This process included engagement with the Department of Transport which, in conjunction with relevant public bodies and government departments, is leading on the delivery of commitments and priority actions under Pillar Five of the Strategy.
Pillar Five focuses on transport and mobility and commits to improving the accessibility and expanding the availability of public transport options across urban and rural areas. It also contains commitments to the development of more accessible built environments, so as to remove the barriers that disabled people still face across society. Additional commitments within this Pillar are to providing enhanced personal mobility supports and options to support disabled people who can’t access or use public transport.
Since the launch of the Strategy in September 2025, and the subsequent publication of the First Programme Plan of Actions 2025-2026 in December 2025, my officials have had ongoing engagement across government, including with colleagues in the Department of Transport.
1040. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the Department receives routine reports on Children’s Disability Network Team vacancy duration, staffing deficits, or delayed intervention risks. [40103/26]
View answerThis Department receives regular preliminary performance data from the HSE and twice-yearly CDNT Workforce reports from the HSE. This data includes metrics on CDNT staffing and vacancies and is used to support CDNT requests for funding. The next CDNT Workforce report is expected in June this year.
A new national data system is being introduced to CDNTs which will facilitate CDNMs and Lead Agencies to examine service provision in better detail and generate monthly and quarterly metrics.
The most recent figures received from the HSE indicate that the national CDNT waiting list has reduced from 16,522 children awaiting an initial contact with a Children’s Disability Network Team in 2023 to 8,648 children at the end of February 2026. Children’s Disability Network Teams provided services nationally to 45,141 children as of February 2026.
Progress is also being made on the recruitment of staff to CDNTs with the HSE reporting a 28% increase in staffing levels nationwide from October 2023 to October 2025. This equates to an additional 448 Whole-Time Equivalents (WTE), including an additional 321 Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs).
To continue this growth, the HSE is driving intensive domestic and international recruitment efforts and will undertake a variety of workforce initiatives to support sustained growth of Children’s Disability Network Teams and the wider disability service.
A dedicated Disability Workforce Strategy will be developed by the HSE in 2026, to meet growing service demands and address recruitment and retention challenges across specialist disability services, including Children’s Disability Network Teams.
In addition, placements on CDNTs will continue to be expanded, alongside a continued expansion in the number of places in higher education, to develop the pipeline of future therapists.
The Programme for Government commits to doubling the number of college places for speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists and social workers. This expansion will provide up to 461 additional student places by 2028, with the majority commenced in 2025.
In 2026, the HSE will develop targeted retention actions and innovative recruitment campaigns to address persistent vacancies and optimise recruitment across all service providers, ensuring the workforce reaches its funded level.
